Residual strength analysis of fire-exposed treated bamboo-reinforced elements

Amidst the trend towards sustainable construction and the fluctuating availability and cost of steel, bamboo is emerging as a viable alternative for concrete reinforcement due to its ability to enhance tensile strength. This study evaluates the feasibility of using bamboo for concrete reinforcement, with a particular focus on the post-fire flexural behavior and compression properties of bamboo-reinforced concrete (BRC) beams and columns subjected to various fire exposure durations. Bamboo was chemically treated with Sikadur 32 Gel adhesive before being incorporated into the casting of beams and columns. Four groups of treated BRC beams and columns were cast and exposed to 800 °C fire for 0, 30, 60, and 90 min, followed by air cooling. Flexural behavior was analyzed using four-point load tests on beams, while axial compression tests were performed on columns. Load-carrying capacity and failure modes were measured for each specimen. The experimental results show a consistent decline in load-bearing capacity and stiffness with increased fire exposure. Specifically, flexural tests indicate a 51.2% decrease in first crack load and a 53.1% reduction in ultimate load between minimal and prolonged fire exposures. Axial compression tests demonstrated an 88% reduction in ultimate load and a 50% decrease in deflection at ultimate load after 90 min of fire exposure, compared to unheated BRC columns. These findings highlight the importance of material selection and design optimization for enhancing the performance of bamboo-reinforced concrete in fire-prone environments.